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It is almost impossible now to figure out what did Jonson mean by cleansing. The language of his masques is highly allegorical, but there is no doubt that the author was able to come to concussion that there is a deep metaphysical difference between Black and White races. According to Johnson, the different color of skin only emphasizes this fact. There is no doubt, in Jonson's mind, that Ethiops are deficient, although he blames the third party for their ugliness: As of one Phaeton, that fired the world, And that before his heedless flames were hurled About the globe, the Ethiops were as fair As other dames, now black with black despair, And in respect of their complexions changed, Are each where, since, for luckless creatures ranged (Jonson) In my opinion, Jonson's biggest accomplishment in his Masque of Blackness, is the fact that he was able to relate the external and internal factors of racial dilemma and to show that everything has to do with everything. His worldview is clearly British, it appears that it was Jonson, who originated the concept of white man's burden, well before Kipling. The Masque of Beauty was written in 1608 and it is actually a continuation of Masque of Blackness.
In it, author develops his thesis that the color of skin indicates the properties of one's soul. Johnson clearly associates the virtue with fairness, although it is wrong to suggest that this is only because he wanted to flatter the Queen Ann, who was blond. If freed from poetical metaphors and allegories, the Masque of Beauty can very well be considered as a philosophical piece. The motives of social-Darwinism are clearly present in this masque, even though that it was written 300 years, before the emergence of social sciences. The dialogues between the characters that take place throughout the masque, revolve around the idea of beauty, which in its turn, is seen as an exclusive attribute of fair skinned people.
Author goes further he implies that the darkness is a reflection of chaos, while light is strongly linked to the beauty and order: When Love, at first, did more, From out of Chaos, brightened. So was the world, and lighted, As now! Each. As now! Each. As now!
Yield Night, then, to the light, As Blackness hath to Beauty: Which is but the same duty (Jonson). In my opinion, it is not just a poetical finesse that attracts modern reader to the works of Jonson, but the fact that we get to hear an ancient wisdom, speaking through his characters. It is especially a refreshing experience, in time of political correctness, when we are being taught not to trust our own senses, especially when it comes to dealing with philosophical issues.
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Research essay sample on Masque Of Blackness Masque Of Beauty Jonson